New blow-dry bar blows into the West End this April

Shine Blowdry Bar will open on West Broad Street near Willow Lawn in mid-April.

March 30, 2015; 9:40 AM • by Trevor Dickerson

Richmond’s first salon devoted exclusively to hairstyling and makeup services is opening near Willow Lawn this April.

Shine Blowdry Bar, which will be located at 5227 West Broad Street, won’t offer the typical suite of services found in traditional salons, but rather, follows a trend nationwide of salons devoted specifically to blowouts.

“We leave the haircuts and color treatments to the traditional salons,” said founder and CEO Allison Bridges. “At Shine, we simply ‘wash, blow-dry and dazzle.’”

With 10 styling stations, the 1,440 square foot, modern salon will be walk-in friendly, with no need to book an appointment in advance.

“It’s no wonder why blow-dry bars are trending,” Bridges said. “They offer an easy, affordable boost, whether it’s for a special occasion or a fun pick-me-up. I’m excited to introduce my version of the concept to Richmond.”

At Shine, the experience typically starts with a complimentary cup of coffee or glass of wine and a peek at a “Look Book” for inspiration on various styles.

Basic blowouts include a shampoo, blow-dry and styling for a flat fee of $40, no matter the hair length or level of difficulty. Kids under 10 can get a blowout for $25.

Updos, braids, and on-location styling can be scheduled at additional cost. Hair repair, massage treatments, and a variety of makeup services are also available.

A typical styling session lasts approximately 45 minutes, and the look can be maintained for several days. Shine Blowdry Bar has its own line of haircare products designed especially to preserve the style. Products are available in-store and can also be ordered online.

A Princeton graduate with an M.B.A. from the University of Virginia’s Darden Business School, Bridges left a career of finance to own and manage a small, local clinical laboratory system. With nearly 20 years of business experience under her belt, she saw an opportunity for a new venture that would celebrate and support other women.

Bridges intends to partner with local organizations that support the advancement of women in areas of health, business, education and self-esteem and those that celebrate healthy role models for girls.

“It takes courage to go after your dreams,” Bridges said. “I like to think of Shine as a network of women who champion one another. We want everyone who walks through our doors to leave here feeling- and looking- like a superstar.”

Photo: Shine Blowdry Bar